Shropshire Council awards new Adult Autism Support Contract to A4U, Shropshire Autism Hub

Shropshire Council is pleased to announce the award of a new Adult Autism Support Contract to A4U, Shropshire Autism Hub, strengthening support available to autistic adults across the county. The contract is planned to start in November 2026. Further details will be released by A4U shortly.

The service forms a key part of the delivery of the Shropshire All-Age Autism Strategy and supports the council’s commitment to improving community-based support and early intervention for autistic adults, helping autistic people access the right support, at the right time, within their local communities. By helping people understand and access local services earlier, the service aims to prevent needs escalating into crisis and reduce reliance on more intensive statutory health and social care services.

The new service will provide short-term, autism-informed support for autistic adults aged 18 and over across Shropshire. It will help people access information, advice and guidance, navigate services, connect with community resources and build confidence and independence. The service is designed to support all autistic adults; no diagnosis is necessary.

The support will be delivered through a flexible and accessible model, including face-to-face support in local communities, telephone and online contact, and outreach work designed to reach people across both rural and urban areas of Shropshire.

A4U, through the Shropshire Autism Hub, will work closely with local partners, including health services, adult social care, housing providers, voluntary and community organisations, helping to create clearer pathways into support and ensuring autistic adults can access the services and opportunities available to them.

Councillor Ruth Houghton, portfolio holder for adult social care, public health and communities at Shropshire Council, said:

“We are delighted to award this contract to A4U and build on the strong foundations already established through the Shropshire Autism Hub. This new service will provide practical, person-centred support to autistic adults across the county, helping people access information, services and opportunities that can improve wellbeing, independence and quality of life. Importantly, it reflects our commitment through the Shropshire All-Age Autism Strategy to invest in early intervention and community-based support.”

Jacob Ayre, Chief Officer of A4U, added:

“We are delighted to have been awarded this contract which allows us to build on our eleven years’ experience of delivering services to autistic adults, and to work alongside Shropshire Council to deliver this important new service across the county. Demand for autism support continues to grow, including from people who are awaiting assessment and looking for support to understand themselves and navigate everyday challenges. This contract will enable us to better meet that demand and provide timely, autism-informed support before needs escalate into crisis.”

The service is expected to support at least 400 autistic adults each year, providing early support, information, advice, signposting and practical assistance to access health, housing, social care and community support services. The service will also provide guidance and information to families and carers.

The contract represents a continued commitment by Shropshire Council and partners to improving outcomes for autistic people and creating more autism-inclusive communities across the county.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• The Adult Autism Support Service is a preventative, community-based service designed to help autistic adults access information, support and community resources and to reduce the risk of needs escalating into crisis.
• The service is available to autistic adults aged 18+ living in Shropshire, including those without a formal diagnosis.
• The contract supports the delivery of the co-produced Shropshire All-Age Autism Strategy and the preventative duties of local authorities under the Care Act 2014
• The service aims to improve access to information, advice and support, strengthen independence, improve navigation of services, and increase connection to community support.